To upgrade and modernize small shipyards across the country, the federal Maritime Administration is making available up to $20 million funding in competitive grants.
The funding, more specifically, is coming through the Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program, which was launched in 2008 and has thus far awarded 323 grants with a total dollar value of $282 million.
In making the grant announcement, Ann Phillips, Administrator of the Maritime Administration, said, “Small shipyards are essential to the U.S. maritime industry and critical to ensuring that we have a resilient industry base.”
Continued Phillips: “These shipyards are an economic pillar, strengthening our maritime industry and the communities along and near our nation’s ports and waterways, and employing thousands of Americans, who ensure the nation maintains expertise and skills critical to our economic and national security.”
By design, the grants are only for shipyards employing up to 1,200 people. Last year the program awarded just under $20 million in grants to 24 small shipyards.
Deadline for grant applications to the Maritime Administration is February 27.
By Garry Boulard
